Events

Campaigns

Situated on over 300 acres of pristine woodlands and two sparkling freshwater ponds, Camp Burgess (est. 1928) & Hayward (est. 1960) has been a leader in Massachusetts camping for over 80 years…

YOU LEAVE CAMP, BUT IT NEVER LEAVES YOU.

The Camp Board, with input from past and present campers and staff alike, have approved a Master Plan that builds on the strong foundation and traditions of our Camps, but which also looks to the future – the sustainability and enhancement of our facilities and life-changing programmatic opportunities. Core to our sustainability and growth is our intent to preserve and enhance all spaces, landmarks, and monuments that are integral to the history of Camp Burgess & Hayward, and also employ a sustainability strategy that leaves minimal impact upon the natural resources of the property and the natural ecologies of Spectacle, Triangle, and Lawrence Ponds.

CAMP CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PHASE I PROJECTS

CAMP HAYWARD: DINING HALL Completed

Camp Hayward’s enrollment is restricted by the size of the current dining hall. Not only is seating, thus Camp capacity limited, the current kitchen square footage significantly restricts the number of meals served at one time and lacks proper preparation and storage space. The new dining hall and kitchen will allow an additional 800 girls annually to attend Camp Hayward. Dining together is an essential component of the Camp. At meals, girls sing together, partake in a meal blessing, participate in skits, forge new friendships and nurture existing ones. The heart of Hayward is its dining hall, and the sharing and growth that occurs there is essential.

CAMP HAYWARD: CABINSFour Completed

New cabin clusters will be built to accommodate additional campers and staff. Cabin sites have been identified, and a layout promoting a vital and equitable residential cabin experience has been designed. The cabins will be built of conventional construction to match the traditional clusters found at Camp Hayward.

CAMP BURGESS: BURGESS BARNCompleted

The barn will be dual-purpose, offering experiential learning in a “maker’s space,” where campers will have the opportunity to design and create goods as part of our new woodworking and fiber arts programs, using a blend of emerging technologies and traditional craftsmanship. This facility will serve to further the impact that our farm has on the community, by allowing us to expand on the hugely popular and critically important farm-to-table program. Providing a well-ventilated, shady program space for our campers, the barn will also offer additional housing for Camp livestock.

To honor Neal Tompkins’ love of Camp Burgess, creativity and building, we have started a fundraiser to collect donations towards helping us build and name the new Burgess Barn in his memory. Learn more and make a gift here.

CAMP BURGESS: WELCOME & HEALTH CENTER

The existing Health Center was built in 1928, and no longer supports the needs of Camp. The new heath center and nurse’s station will offer modernized amenities and improved space to provide first-rate medical care to campers and staff.

CAMP BURGESS: TREE HOUSE

The Tree House will be built as an elevated structure accessible by sky bridges. This addition to Camp Burgess will serve to encourage campers’ creative spirit, while they are engaged in their natural environment actively and imaginatively.

Camp Burgess & Hayward provides an unparalleled, life-long impact in a distinctive natural environment, to each and every person who takes part in our programs. For this reason, our goal is to serve a larger and broader-reaching base of campers and retreat participants. In order to achieve this, it is essential that we enhance current structures, as well as develop and construct new program areas and facilities.

While we believe that camp is one of the greatest experiences any young person can have, there is no guarantee that this amazing place will endure. With your support, Camp Burgess & Hayward will thrive for another 100 years.

If you are interested in helping to secure Camp Burgess & Hayward’s future as a leader in residential camping, please contact Meghan Hill at mhill@ssymca.org or 508-428-2571, ext. 101, to discuss the many ways to get involved with the campaign.

As a branch of The South Shore YMCA, the Y’s three pillars – Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility – are all at the core of what we do at Camp Burgess & Hayward…

Thousands of youth are cultivating the values, leadership skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, which translate to better educational achievement – right now and in the future.

We’re passionate about providing programs, guidance and role models to help youth understand and value their health and well-being.

Through year-round volunteer opportunities, environmental education surrounding local and global conditions, and initiatives that forge strong communities at Camp, we strive to inspire and equip youth to give back. Social Responsibility is central to who we are.

At Camp Burgess & Hayward, we are dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected members of society through outstanding outdoor experiences in an inclusive, safe and nurturing community. We have an unwavering commitment to help children and families, who would otherwise not have the opportunity, experience all that Burgess & Hayward has to offer; as a charitable organization, we ensure that no family’s financial situation prevents them from being part of the magic of Camp.

Yearly, the camp serves over 10,000 individuals – including elementary through college students, young adults, families, groups and community members. The facility serves its diverse constituencies by operating as a: